Carbonated beverages are drinks that include carbon dioxide dissolved in water. The presence of carbon dioxide creates fizzing and bubbles in the liquid. Carbonation can occur through pressurising.
Let's discuss some consequences of consuming carbonated beverages in excess.
Tooth Decay
Regular consumption of carbonated drinks harm teeth. The mouth contains bacteria that feed on sugar and produce chemicals that break down the hard enamel of the teeth. When erosion of the enamel exposes the soft inner core of teeth it creates a cavity. Consuming sweetened, carbonated soda, the sugar remains in the teeth which promote the process that leads to tooth decay.
The acid in these carbonated drinks increases the risk of developing cavities and slowly erodes the enamel of teeth.
Belching and Heartburn
Carbonated drinks contain carbon dioxide which after consumption reaches the stomach changes to gaseous form. It may cause repeated belching because of the accumulation of carbon dioxide gas.
Food and stomach acid come up the food pipe as the person belches, causing heartburn and a sour taste in the mouth.
Increased Risk of Obesity
Carbonated drinks are added with lots of calories which increases the risk of overweight and obesity. The sugary drink provides a lot of calories very quickly. Overweight and obesity are significant risk factors for the development of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis.
Poor Nutrition
Carbonated drinks do not contain any essential nutrients. Consumption of carbonated drinks can affect nutrient intake. Drinking these beverages may reduce the consumption of protein, fibre, and vitamins. It adds nothing to the diet except an excessive amount of added sugar and unnecessary calories.
Reduced Bone Strength
Many studies show a negative association between carbonated drinks and bones, which may lead to low bone density. Low bone density is also known as osteopenia which increases the risk of fracture.
High Risk of Cancer
Consumption of carbonated drinks has been linked to obesity. So cancer goes hand in hand with other chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, obesity and heart disease.
Increased Risk of Gout
Many studies have shown a strong link between carbonated drinks and gout. Gout is a condition that is characterised by inflammation and pain in the joints, most often in the big toe. It occurs mainly due to high uric levels in the blood. Fructose is the main carbohydrate which is a component of carbonated drinks and therefore known to increase the uric acid level.
To conclude, it would be wise to say that carbonated drinks should not be a part of a daily diet. Instead, we should prefer comparatively healthier options like fresh fruit juices, fresh vegetable juices, yoghurt, smoothies, herbal teas, coconut water, buttermilk, etc.
